Film4, Focus develop ‘Suffragettes’

Abi Morgan to script, Sarah Gavron to direct project

Film4 and Focus Features have reteamed with “Shame” writer Abi Morgan to develop “Suffragettes,” with Sarah Gavron attached to direct.

Set in the early 20th century, ensemble drama concerns militant British women who fought for the right to vote.

Project is being developed by Ruby Films, which produced Gavron and Morgan’s feature debut, “Brick Lane,” also backed by Film4. Morgan recently completed the first draft of the “Suffragettes” script.

Gavron is in Greenland shooting her documentary “The Edge of the World” for Film 4. APT/Met Films is producing.

Morgan has two scripts in production with Film4: Steve McQueen’s “Shame,” about a New York sex addict played by Michael Fassbender, with Focus co-financing; and “The Iron Lady,” a biopic of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher starring Meryl Streep, with Pathe co-financing.

Morgan also wrote upcoming BBC TV series “The Hour,” a spy drama set in a 1950s BBC newsroom, which Shine Intl. launched at Mip TV this week.